Continuing Story Blog
I have been considering the story-line for a book since I was 18 (or so). Now that I am 68, it is available for you. “What If” is a historical fiction regarding the relationships between Pontius Pilate and his wife Claudia, Pontius Pilate and his boss Tiberius Caesar, and between Pontius Pilate and Jesus. As, another chapter occurs to me, I will include them it in my blog. Here is a short section which includes a conversation between Pontius and the disciple John
Yom Kippur Sabbath
Awaking early, Pontius rolled out of bed having a fitful night. Tying his sandals, he headed toward the pantry. ‘Wine,’ he thought, as the weight of the last few days seemed to add pressure upon pressure. Turning though the archway, Pontius could see man sitting in the dark.
Pontius asked, “John, are you alright?”
“I am trying to … “ Trailing off, John’s voice just stopped.
“I know it is early, John,” Pontius began, “but let you and I step out for a walk. The air will do us both a bit of good.” Stepping out, it was not the cool morning Pontius had hoped. The African winds brought some heat and the Mediterranean added so much humidity, one could cut it with a short sword. The moon added an ethereal illusion to the neighborhood, and the smell of yesterday’s dinners still hung in the air. As they walked, silently, only the sounds of sandals on the cobblestones, an occasional oil lamp would light, as a citizen was beginning a new day.
As they turned the corner, Pontius realized, “This is the hill that Yahushua would sit and talk.” Walking part-way up the hill, in more of a march than a stroll, Pontius turned and commented, “You know, John, I had come by a couple times to listen to Yahushua.”
“Yes, I did know that. So did He.” John answered. I remember another hill, outside of Yahushua’s home town of Nazareth. In our travels, He went there to teach, and visit with His family and perhaps find some restoration.
“It was the oddest thing,” John Continued, “He wanted to share Himself with whom He was closest. His childhood friends, neighbors, His loved ones. When Yahushua arrived at the Synagogue, He began to teach, just as you heard that one day through window, Pontius (John shot Pontius a sideways glance) but the people were astounded. I know as Praetor, you have had your finger on the pulse of so many things throughout Judea, Yahushua has performed many miraculous acts. YOU may not believe them all, but I have seen so many things. His neighbors had heard of them as well.
“The people could not understand how this man, who they watched grow from an infant to a child to a young man, could do these things? They knew Yahushua’s mother Mary. They knew the man who raised him, Joseph/ They knew his brothers and sisters. They knew Yahushua as a craftsman. They could not believe Yahushua was the messiah.
“Now, I’ve seen Yahushua perform miracles with just a word. I’ve seen a woman healed who merely touched his robe. And, for another blind man, Yahushua made a paste with some dust and some of his own spittle and rubbed it on the man’s eyes to open them,” John continued.
Pontius interrupted, “Sounds a little haphazard.”
“Here is what we found. Yahushua is able to show his power and will meet people where they are, but only if the individual is willing to reach out to Him.
“So, here’s the point. The Almighty God can do anything. It is in His power to do what he will. He is sovereign. But he is not capricious. He works within rules. He needs something from us in order for us to work together. We have free will to choose or to not. He is not some snake charmer who can play a clarinet and make us dance to His tune. He is only able give us, and allow us to have, what we willingly accept. Yahushua was not accepted by the people who knew him best. Because their expectations were preset and unchanging. He healed a couple people. He wanted so much to share all that He was with the people He knew, but they just could not believe in Him. If a word is all that is needed, he will say the word. If the individual expects and needs a balm to receive a blessing, God is willing to provide.
John continued, “You and I, Pontius, had the opportunity to see Him as He was, with new eyes. How we can go on from here is a struggle that I must work out on my own.” With that, John again trailed off.
Pontius offered, “I think I will head back. The world is waking. You stay here as long as you like, John. Come back whenever you are ready.” Pontius stood and headed back, thinking. “Things were not much clearer now that when he left home.” Wondering aloud, “What kind of Son of God is this that offers things, but does not order things to happen?”
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Much love.
